New measures to curb alcohol-impaired driving take effect today in New Brunswick

The Sackville Tribune Post

Published: Nov 01, 2017 at 4:36 p.m.

Updated: Nov 01, 2017 at 5:06 p.m.

New measures to combat impaired driving came into effect today.

Also effective today, all vehicles operated on New Brunswick roadways must display daytime running lights

FREDERICTON, N.B. – New measures to combat impaired driving are now in effect.

“I want to remind New Brunswickers that stronger regulations and new measures to curb alcohol-impaired driving are taking effect today,ˮ said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. ‟I hope these changes will discourage drinking and driving and will help us keep our roads safe.ˮ

The new measures include:

– an extension of the look-back period for a driver’s abstract from seven years to 10 years, and short-term licence suspensions will be recorded on the driver’s abstract;

– escalating sanctions on short-term licence suspensions;

– an increase in driver’s licence reinstatement fees for those convicted of impaired driving;

– the creation of a vehicle impoundment program for impaired drivers;

– the creation of a mandatory alcohol ignition interlock device program; and

– a 24-hour roadside suspension for driver unfitness, providing law enforcement the authority to temporarily remove drivers from the road.

Also effective today, all vehicles operated on New Brunswick roadways must display daytime running lights. If a vehicle is not equipped with daytime running lights or they are inoperable, then headlights must be turned on at all times. A violation will result in a fine of $172.50 and the loss of two demerit points.

“I am confident that, with the implementation of these new measures to combat drunk driving, we will avoid accidents and make our province one of the safest in the country and the best place to raise a family,” said Landry.